10 of the Best Cheap Used 4x4s and Off-Roaders

Suzuki’s Jimny has become an icon in the small 4×4 world, with the latest version especially being a huge hit. But if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, it’s worth searching for the version for. Sold for 20 years between 1998 and 2018, given the minimal changes made to it over the course of its life, you won’t be majorly penalised for going with an older car instead.

Renowned for its go-anywhere ability, the Jimny is remarkably capable in tough conditions, and is a popular choice in mountainous regions. It’s quite no-frills in terms of driving manners and equipment, but is ideal if you do mainly local miles and want a cheap used 4×4 that has genuine off-road capability.

The Yeti arrived in 2009 as Skoda’s first SUV, and quickly developed quite a following. Applying Skoda’s key strengths – value and versatility – into a compact 4×4, it is one of the best used SUVs on the market.

The boxy design has aged very well, and is arguably more interesting than the firm’s latest SUVs. This square shape also gives the Yeti a very roomy interior, while plenty of practical touches like hidden storage areas and sliding rear seats make it a great choice. Not all Yetis were sold with four-wheel drive, so make sure to search specifically for 4×4 cars if that’s what you require.

Ever since Dacia touched down in the UK in 2012, it’s been renowned for offering money-savvy drivers affordable cars. This applies to its Duster too – the brand’s budget 4×4. Introduced in 2013, it’s quite rough and ready around the edges, but if you want something cheap and talented off-road, it doesn’t get much better than the Dacia Duster.

Used prices start from a few thousand pounds, which will get you a reliable workhorse but little in the way of creature comforts. It’s also far roomier than you might expect, and would make the perfect cheap family used 4×4.

Toyota is renowned for making some of the most reliable cars around, and if that’s a top priority when shopping for a cheap 4×4, you should take a look at the RAV4. This mid-seat SUV is an ideal size for families, and it’s the fourth generation model we recommend, sold between 2013 and 2019.

Look out for a four-wheel drive model and you’ll have something that’s very useful in all weathers. It’s not a proper off-roader, but will certainly get you further in the snow or mud than other cars of this class. You can also choose a RAV4 of this age with a more efficient self-charging petrol hybrid setup.

If you’re after a do-anything four-wheel-drive which won’t cost the earth, then the Kia Sportage could be a very solid option. It marked a turning point for Kia, this car, revealing the firm’s premium aspirations as well as its ability to make a family car that could still be good to drive. 

You’ll need to opt for the more powerful 2.0-litre diesel-powered versions to get four-wheel-drive, too. But this powertrain is very robust and punchy, providing a decent amount of performance to ensure that the Sportage gets up to speed in a good time. Hooked up to an automatic gearbox it makes for a very well-rounded setup. Remember, too, that with Kia’s seven-year transferable warranty, you could still find a used Sportage with some cover left intact.

The Fiat Panda might be better known for buzzing around narrow Italian city streets, but this compact model has also been offered as a 4×4 over the years. Underestimate the Panda’s ability at your peril, too, as it’s monstrously capable off-road or in challenging conditions. The fact it’s a popular choice of vehicle in Alpine ski resorts says a lot about how talented it is.

It manages to retain the Panda’s dinky dimensions too, while you’ll find it’s cheaper to run than many other 4x4s, albeit not quite as frugal as standard versions of this Fiat. We’d recommend the latest generation of Panda, which has been on sale since 2012.

As we’ve mentioned, Suzuki is well-known for producing small 4x4s, and if you’re looking for something a bit newer and modern-feeling than the Jimny, it’s worth taking a look at the Suzuki Ignis. It rivals the Fiat Panda 4×4, and uses a lightweight and compact four-wheel drive system to help in challenging conditions.

It’s not as capable as the Panda, but makes up for that when it comes to creature comforts, with plenty of the latest technology and equipment available on the Ignis. It’s highly efficient, too, with Suzuki claiming more than 50mpg, which should be achievable with careful driving.

No list of the best 4×4 cars could be complete without a Land Rover. This brand’s SUVs remain as capable as ever, being able to go further than almost any other cars on the road. One of the top picks is the Discovery 4, which was sold between 2009 and 2017. It’s a hugely practical seven-seater that’s ideal for larger families, with room even in the rearmost seats for taller passengers.

Equipped with Land Rover’s Advanced Terrain Response system, the Discovery 4 is useful in a variety of conditions, whether it be ice, snow or mud, for example. While used prices for a Discovery 4 start from around £5,000, and you get a lot of car for your money, you need to consider that maintenance costs could potentially be quite high.

Jeep is another top name when it comes to off-roaders, and though you might imagine something like a Wrangler, if you’re looking for something cheaper to buy and own, we would recommend a Renegade. Up until recently, it was Jeep’s smallest SUV, yet still brought legendary 4×4 talent, though only on models equipped with four-wheel drive.

Jeep also offered a ‘Trailhawk’ version, equipped with various additional off-roading features and underbody protection to make it remarkably talented. The Renegade’s fun styling and generous equipment levels make it a particularly appealing used 4×4.

Volkswagen might not be the first car firm you think of when it comes to cheap 4x4s, but thanks to the ‘4Motion’ system in the mid-size Tiguan crossover, there’s surprising levels of all-weather capability on offer. We recommend the first-generation Tiguan, sold between 2008 and 2016, which still feels fairly modern yet is now available at a fairly affordable price.

Four-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan are available with both petrol and diesel engines, while this Volkswagen has the firm’s renowned high-quality feel. Even as this SUV goes past 15 years old, early examples still feel remarkably solid.